At the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), the Prime Minister called the Indian diaspora “ambassadors to the world.” He praised them for blending into local societies, helping communities, and contributing to India’s progress.
Why do celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas?
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs to honor the achievements and contributions of Indians living abroad.
This celebration is held every two years on January 9, marking the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, regarded as the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the country’s freedom movement.
Since 2015, the event has been held biennially, with theme-based conferences organized during the intervening years.
The location of the convention changes to showcase the progress and diversity of different regions in India.
Who are the Girmitiyas?
The Girmitiyas were indentured laborers from British India who were transported during the 19th and early 20th centuries to work on plantations in various countries.
The term “Girmitiyas” originates from the Indian pronunciation of the English word “agreement”, referencing the contracts they signed.
The Girmitiyas were sent to places such as Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, British Guiana (now Guyana), Suriname, Malaysia, and Kenya.
These laborers were bound by contracts, called Girmits (agreements), which required them to work for a single employer at a fixed wage for a period of 3 to 5 years.
What are the challenges faced by Indians abroad?
Increasing Visa Restrictions: Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have implemented stricter immigration policies, particularly affecting skilled Indian workers.
For instance, during Donald Trump’s presidency, uncertainties surrounding H-1B visas created significant anxiety among Indian professionals seeking employment in the U.S. This has led to a perception that Indian workers are being unfairly targeted as competition for local jobs.
Global Conflicts: Many Indians work in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where job security is often threatened by volatile oil prices and changing labour laws.
For example, “Saudisation” policies in Saudi Arabia have forced many Indian workers to return home unexpectedly, leading to economic hardship.
Additionally, ongoing conflicts in regions like Iraq and Syria pose risks to the safety of Indians living and working there.
Political Vulnerability: The Indian government’s recent actions to revoke Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards from individuals critical of its policies have created a climate of fear among the diaspora. This has raised concerns about freedom of expression and political rights for those living abroad, making many feel vulnerable and unce.
What role does the Indian diaspora play in India’s global influence?
Economic Contributions: The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in India’s economy through substantial remittances, which totalled approximately $108 billion in 2022. These funds significantly contribute to poverty reduction and economic stability in India.Example: Remittances from the UAE
Political Influence: Many individuals of Indian origin hold prominent political positions in various countries, enhancing India’s political clout on global platforms such as the United Nations.Example: Kamala Harris
Cultural Diplomacy: The diaspora acts as cultural ambassadors, promoting Indian traditions, values, and soft power globally through initiatives like yoga, Bollywood cinema, and festivals.Example: International Day of Yoga
Networking Opportunities: The diaspora serves as a bridge between India and other nations, facilitating trade relations and foreign direct investment (FDI), thereby enhancing India’s global economic standing.
What are the steps taken by the government?
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs: Established in 2004, this ministry was created to specifically address issues faced by the Indian diaspora. It was later merged with the Ministry of External Affairs in 2016 to streamline efforts and enhance synergy in engaging with the diaspora.
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas: Celebrated annually since 2003, this event recognizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s progress and fosters a sense of connection between Indians abroad and their homeland.
Know India Programme (KIP): This initiative aims to familiarize youth of Indian origin with contemporary India through a three-week orientation program. It provides exposure to various aspects of Indian culture, economy, and society.
Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Launched to enhance the skills of Indian workers going abroad, this scheme provides training on laws, language, and culture relevant to their destination countries.
Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC): This program offers scholarships for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students pursuing undergraduate courses in India
Proxy Voting for NRIs: The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill 2017 allows NRIs to participate in elections through proxy voting, enhancing their engagement in India’s democratic processes.
How can India better engage with its diaspora? (Way forward)
Inclusive Policies: The Indian government should adopt inclusive and non-partisan policies that foster a sense of belonging among all members of the diaspora, regardless of their political views.
Addressing Concerns: Proactively addressing issues such as visa restrictions and safety concerns in conflict zones can enhance trust and cooperation between the diaspora and the Indian government.
Leveraging Expertise: India can better engage its diaspora by tapping into their expertise in various fields, encouraging knowledge transfer, investment in startups, and collaboration on technological innovations.
Cultural Exchange Programs: Promoting cultural initiatives that celebrate Indian heritage can strengthen ties between India and its diaspora, fostering a sense of identity and community.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued a Silver Notice to trace and recover criminal assets, marking the first expansion of its color-coded notices to specifically target the finances of organized crime networks.
What is Silver Notice?
It is an INTERPOL initiative aimed at tracing, locating, and recovering criminal assets linked to crimes such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental offenses.
Objective: It targets assets like properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses that are connected to criminal activities.
It was launched in 2023 as part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries, and this phase will run until November 2025.
How does it work?
Member countries can request INTERPOL to issue a Silver Notice for assistance in gathering information about criminal assets.
The Notice is shared globally with all 196 INTERPOL member countries, while Diffusions can be directed to specific countries for more targeted cooperation.
All Silver Notices and Diffusions are reviewed by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with its rules, including prohibitions on political misuse as outlined in Article 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution.
The first-ever Silver Notice was requested by Italy to trace assets linked to a senior mafia member, showcasing its potential to combat organized crime.
About INTERPOL
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Establishment: Founded in 1923 in Vienna, now headquartered in Lyon, France, with 195 member countries.
Mandate: Supports cross-border police cooperation, helping agencies combat international crime.
India became a member of INTERPOL in June 1956.
Structural Mandate:
Secretary General: Oversees daily operations.
General Secretariat (Lyon): Manages global databases and police communication systems.
Global Complex for Innovation (Singapore): Research, training, and cybercrime initiatives.
Regional Bureaus: Satellite offices worldwide.
National Central Bureaus (NCBs): Each member country, such as India’s CBI, serves as its national focal point for INTERPOL.
I-24/7 Service: A secure global police communication system enabling real-time sharing of urgent and sensitive information.
Powers and Functions
Data Sharing: Manages 19 police databases on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time by member countries.
Notices and Diffusions: Issues color-coded notices (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Silver) to locate fugitives, missing persons, or criminal assets; not legally binding but widely used by law enforcement.
Operational Support:
– Investigative Assistance: Provides forensics, analysis, and fugitive-tracking support.
– Coordination: Enables law enforcement agencies to handle transnational crime efficiently.
Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a full member. This move was unanimously approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and announced by Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS in 2025.
What is BRICS?
BRICS represents a coalition of nations committed to fostering economic growth, development cooperation, and global governance reform.
BRICS focuses on collaboration across 3 key pillars:
Political and Security Cooperation: Ensuring peace, global stability, and governance reform.
Economic and Financial Cooperation: Promoting trade, investment, and economic resilience.
Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation: Enhancing mutual understanding and societal linkages.
Present Members of BRICS
Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Recent Additions: Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.
Evolution of BRICS:
2001: The term “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in a report highlighting Brazil, Russia, India, and China as fast-growing economies.
2006: BRIC leaders held their first meeting during the G8 Outreach Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.
2009: The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, to formalize the grouping.
2010: South Africa joined, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
2014 Fortaleza Declaration: The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) marked significant steps toward financial collaboration.
Recent Expansion: In 2023 Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined, reflecting BRICS’ expanding influence in the Global South.
2025: Indonesia officially joins.
Significance of BRICS:
Economic Growth: Acts as a significant driver of global economic growth, contributing 24% of global GDP and over 16% of global trade.
Multipolar World Advocacy: Promotes a multipolar world order, challenging Western dominance in global governance.
South-South Cooperation: Strengthens collaboration among developing nations, addressing shared issues like poverty and climate change.
Alternative Financial Systems: Explores mechanisms like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to reduce reliance on Western financial institutions and the US dollar.
Challenges Faced by BRICS:
Diverging Interests: Members have differing priorities, such as India-China tensions and varying stances on global issues.
Economic Disparities: Wide differences in economic size and capacity, with China dominating BRICS GDP.
Institutional Weakness: Absence of a formal structure and binding agreements limits the bloc’s effectiveness.
Geopolitical Pressures: External challenges like Western sanctions on Russia and US-China tensions test BRICS’ cohesion and neutrality.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
Q) The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Afghanistan (2014), and ‘Increasing cross-border terrorist attacks ’ (2016).
On December 27, 2024, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General reported that 383 Pakistani security personnel were killed in counter-terrorism operations during the year. He stated that around 60,000 intelligence-based operations led to the elimination of 925 terrorists, including TTP members. While highlighting Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan, he firmly declared that TTP attacks on Pakistani citizens would not be tolerated, criticising Afghanistan for allegedly sheltering the group.
Today’s editorial talk about the issues related to Afghanistan and Pakistan and how India can take benefits from it. This content can be used in Mains GSII paper to substantiate the regional issues which affect India.
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Why in the News?
The Taliban’s return to power has turned Afghanistan into a serious problem for Pakistan’s security.
What are the implications of Pakistan’s recent military actions in Afghanistan?
Casualties and Escalation: The Director-General of Pakistan’s ISPR reported that 383 Pakistani security personnel lost their lives in counter-terrorism operations in 2024, while 925 terrorists, including TTP members, were eliminated in about 60,000 operations. This indicates a significant escalation in military engagement, which may lead to further retaliatory actions from Afghanistan.
Retaliatory Strikes: Following an attack by the TTP that killed 16 Pakistani soldiers, Pakistan conducted air strikes in eastern Paktika province, reportedly killing 46 individuals. This tit-for-tat response has exacerbated tensions and risks deepening the conflict between the two nations.
Diplomatic Failure: The timing of military actions during diplomatic talks with Taliban leaders suggests a failure in Pakistan’s strategy to de-escalate tensions. This could undermine future diplomatic efforts and solidify hostilities between the two countries.
How is Pakistan’s historical strategy of supporting certain factions in Afghanistan affecting its current diplomatic relations?
Support for Extremist Groups: Pakistan’s long-standing support for the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network has backfired, as these groups now pose a threat to Pakistan’s own security through affiliations with the TTP. This creates a perception that both groups are intertwined, complicating diplomatic relations.
Strategic Depth vs. Strategic Ditch: Initially viewed as a means to gain strategic depth against India, the return of the Taliban has turned Afghanistan into a “strategic ditch” for Pakistan.
This shift reflects the unintended consequences of Pakistan’s historical policies and its inability to control former proxies.
Border Disputes: The Afghan Taliban’s rejection of the Durand Line as a legitimate border complicates relations further. Kabul’s claims over Pakistani territories exacerbate tensions and highlight the fragility of diplomatic ties rooted in historical grievances.
How can India take benefit from this situation?
• Enhanced Regional Influence: India can leverage Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions to deepen its engagement with Afghanistan through developmental assistance and economic ties. • Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Pakistan’s focus on its western border provides India an opportunity to strengthen its counter-terrorism initiatives along the LoC and its own western borders. • Strategic Regional Partnerships: India can position itself as a stabilizing force by fostering regional initiatives that exclude Pakistan, such as through expanded ties with Central Asia and Afghanistan.
What are the potential pathways for reconciliation between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid escalating violence? (Way forward)
Dialogue and Diplomacy: Continued dialogue is essential, as evidenced by Muhammad Sadiq Khan’s visit to Kabul. However, for effective reconciliation, both sides must prioritize genuine engagement over military actions that undermine trust.
Addressing Core Issues: To move forward, both nations need to address underlying issues such as border disputes and mutual security concerns. Acknowledging and resolving these contentious points could pave the way for more stable relations.
International Mediation: Given the complexities involved, seeking mediation from international actors could help facilitate discussions and provide neutral ground for negotiations. This approach might alleviate some pressures from both sides while addressing broader security concerns.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the US is working to remove long-standing rules that have hindered nuclear cooperation between India’s top nuclear entities and American companies.
What are the legal barriers hindering India’s participation in nuclear manufacturing?
10CFR810 Authorization: This regulation, part of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, restricts US nuclear vendors from manufacturing nuclear equipment or conducting nuclear design work in India.
While it allows for the export of equipment under strict safeguards, it prevents India from engaging in the manufacturing value chain and co-producing nuclear components for atomic power projects.
Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: This Indian legislation establishes a framework for compensating victims of nuclear accidents and allocates liability to equipment suppliers. This provision raises concerns among foreign companies, such as GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse, regarding potential financial exposure and liability risks, which deters investment in India’s nuclear sector.
How does Indian liability law impact the Indo-US nuclear deal?
Liability Allocation: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, establishes a framework that assigns strict liability to nuclear operators for damages resulting from nuclear incidents.
This means that operators are primarily responsible for compensation, which is capped at ₹500 crore (approximately USD 60 million), with the central government liable for additional amounts up to 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in case of higher damages.
Right of Recourse: The Act provides operators with a right of recourse against suppliers, which means that operators can seek compensation from suppliers if they incur costs due to an accident.
However, this right is not mandatory and is seen as an enabling clause, leading to concerns among suppliers about their financial exposure in the event of an incident.
Insurance Challenges: The liability law’s structure creates significant challenges for foreign suppliers in obtaining insurance coverage. Many suppliers require a clear legal cap on liability to insure themselves against potential accidents.
The open-ended nature of liability and the potential for significant financial exposure deter investment from companies like GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse, who are wary of entering a market where they could face unpredictable liabilities.
International Standards Compliance: The Indian liability framework is viewed as an outlier compared to international norms, which typically channel all liabilities to operators rather than suppliers. This divergence complicates foreign participation in India’s nuclear sector and hinders the operationalization of agreements like the Indo-US nuclear deal.
What steps are being taken to enhance Indo-US cooperation in the nuclear sector?
Removal of Regulatory Barriers: The US is finalizing steps to ease restrictions that have hindered nuclear collaboration since the 2005 deal, enabling closer ties between Indian entities and US private sector players.
Facilitating Technology Transfer: The regulatory changes will support the transfer of US nuclear technology to India, boosting India’s clean energy expansion efforts.
Strengthening the iCET Framework: Emphasis on the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to foster collaboration in nuclear technology and other high-tech sectors like AI and quantum computing.
Addressing Liability Concerns: Discussions to resolve issues related to India’s nuclear liability laws aim to attract foreign suppliers and enhance investment opportunities in India’s nuclear energy sector.
Way forward:
Policy Reforms for Liability Clarity: Amend India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to align with international norms by channelling liability solely to operators, reducing suppliers’ financial risks and encouraging foreign investment.
Promote Joint Ventures and Technology Transfer: Facilitate joint manufacturing and R&D collaborations under the iCET framework, leveraging US expertise in light water reactor technology and India’s manufacturing capabilities to achieve shared clean energy goals.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
Q) South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on RegionalGeopolitical Issues (2024) and India’s Development and Growth on the International stage (2018, 2022, & 2023).
Global Economists predict that India’s GDP growth will average around 6.5% to 7% in 2025, despite a slowdown observed in late 2024. As India steps into 2025, the economic landscape presents a mix of optimism and challenges.
Today’s editorial outlines the key aspects shaping India’s outlook for the coming year, focusing on growth projections, inflation management, and geopolitical influences. This comprehensive content can be used in your Mains answer writing while discussing the Global uncertainties and changing geopolitics, where India’s Growth trajectory is affected.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The year 2024 was characterized as a “global elections supercycle,” with over 70 countries, including major economies, scheduled to hold elections.
This political climate is expected to generate significant regulatory and policy uncertainty in 2025, impacting international relations and economic strategies across the globe.
What is the projected Outlook for India’s economy in 2025?
• Various economists project India’s GDP growth to range between 6.3% and 7.2% for 2025, with a consensus around 6.5% to 6.9%, despite a slowdown observed in late 2024. • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) anticipates real GDP growth to recover in the latter half of the fiscal year, with estimates of 6.6% to 6.9% for FY25, supported by public consumption and investment. • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its forecast for India’s growth to 7% for FY25, citing strong domestic demand and a rising working-age population.
What are the new Economic and Political uncertainties in the World?
Economic Landscape: India is recognized as one of the leading nations in terms of economic growth and political stability, that demands an atmosphere of peace amidst global turmoil.
Inflation Issues: Inflation remains a crucial concern, impacting consumption and overall economic stability. Policymakers must navigate these pressures while encouraging investment.
Migration and Unemployment Issues: Addressing structural challenges such as job creation is critical, especially given the need to generate millions of jobs annually until 2030.
Political Landscape: The year 2024 witnessed significant political uncertainty worldwide, with ongoing conflicts in regions like Europe and West Asia, notably the Gaza crisis and the Ukraine conflict.
Global Major Powers: India’s democratic and globalized trajectory will be influenced by the changing political stability, with increase in right-wing policies and frameworks in western world from the new US administration to the European Union.
Geopolitical Tensions with China: Recent border negotiations with China have led to some disengagement at the Line of Actual Control, but the underlying border dispute remains unresolved.
In September 2024, China and African nations jointly agreed to progress the China-sponsored Global Security Initiative (GSI) and deepen cooperation in areas. (steps to outmaneuver India in international forums)
China also managed to steal a march over India during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit held in Pakistan in October.
How will South and West Asia make a major eclipse in regional Geopolitics for India? Current Situation in South Asia: India faces increasing isolation in South Asia, particularly after the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, leading to questions about India’s neighborhood policy. • Nepal and Sri Lanka are perceived as “fair weather friends,” while relations with the Maldives remain uncertain. Pakistan continues to be antagonistic, and Afghanistan is not a priority for India. • Bhutan appears to be balancing its relations with India and China under its current leadership.
Challenges in West Asia: • Impact of Syrian Developments: The ouster of the Assad regime in Syria is expected to have significant repercussions for the region, including implications for India. • Rise of Sunni Groups: The takeover by the Sunni group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) may shift regional dynamics, especially as it aligns with the Sunni majority in Syria.
Regional Implications • Dismantling of Alliances: The changing power dynamics could weaken the so-called “axis of resistance,” affecting Iran’s influence and potentially diminishing support for groups like Hezbollah.• Israel’s Position: Israel may emerge stronger amid these changes, while the pro-Palestine movement could face setbacks.
What are the further strands on Technological challenges?
The digital threat landscape is expected to escalate significantly in 2025, necessitating urgent attention and warnings about potential dangers.
In late 2024, India experienced a notable increase in cyber attacks, including denial of service and ransomware incidents targeting major companies and government institutions.
This trend is projected to grow exponentially, posing unprecedented risks to national infrastructure due to the convergence of various technologies.
Conclusion: India must navigate this complex geopolitical landscape carefully, as both Political as well as Technological issues undergo significant transformations that could affect its regional influence and security.
